Saturday, August 12, 2017

(WASHINGTON) -- President Trump joined a chorus of figures from across the U.S. political spectrum to speak out against the white nationalist rally that took place in Charlottesville, Virginia, on Saturday, where clashes between white supremacists and counterprotest groups forced the city to declare a state of emergency.

Trump tweeted Saturday afternoon in response to the protests.We ALL must be united & condemn all that hate stands for. There is no place for this kind of violence in America. Lets come together as one!

The president's reaction comes after months of criticism from rights groups that he has neglected to speak out vociferously enough against a contingent of his supporters that promote white nationalist views.

Vice President Mike Pence followed Trump by saying that he stands with the president. Pence also mentioned Charlottesville by name in his tweet.

I stand with @POTUS against hate & violence. U.S is greatest when we join together & oppose those seeking to divide us. #Charlottesville

On the other side of the aisle, Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, an independent and self-described democratic socialist, called the rally "reprehensible."The white nationalist demonstration in #Charlottesville is a reprehensible display of racism and hatred that has no place in our society.Source WBAL